December 20, 2007
Should Churches Have Christmas Parties During Advent?
I firmly believe that they shouldn’t, but if someone can put up a strong argument for it, then I’m willing to change my mind. A couple of Catholic parishes I’ve attended in the past couple of years have hosted Christmas...
October 20, 2007
What's Right with Catholicism
We always hear from others about the problems they see in the Catholic Church. But the reality is that a lot is "right" with the Catholic Church. This video is a homily by a priest on exactly what is right...
October 10, 2007
US Bishop Denying Communion to Pro-Abortion Politicians
Archbishop Raymond Burke of the archdiocese of St. Louis was asked if he would deny Communion to Giuliani or any other presidential candidate who supports abortion rights. His response was: "If any politician approached me and he'd been admonished not...
July 4, 2007
The Patron Saint of the Americas
Catholics have always made certain Saints into "patrons" of a certain area or for a certain cause. Typically it is tied very closely with how the Saint lived their life or the issues they had. For example, St. Peregrine is...
March 9, 2007
Why Eat Fish on Fridays? And Other Lenten Surprises
Growing up as a protestant, I never really understood why Catholics made such a fuss over seemingly normal things during Lent. One great example is the practice of not eating meat on Fridays during Lent. How does that help us...
February 6, 2007
Social Justice and the Family
Do you know the leading cause of poverty in the United States, according to the president of DePaul University? Last September I was at the National meeting for the St. Vincent de Paul Society where he was the keynote speaker,...
January 31, 2007
Pope Benedict XVI's concern for Matrimony
Recently, Pope Benedict XVI spoke to a group of judges, officials, lawyers and collaborators of the Roman Rota, the Church's central appellate court at the Vatican. During the address, Pope Benedict pointed to the fact that relativism is eroding the...
January 8, 2007
Social Justice and Abortion
Social justice is an important area of the life of the Church. It strives to protect the dignity of the human person, which is made in the image and likeness of God. When one says the phrase, what words come...
January 1, 2007
Apologetics books on Sale
Just wanted to point out that our sponsor site, Holy Family Catholic Catalog is having a sale on several apologetics books: Dave Armstrong's A Biblical Defense of Catholicism is 20% off. It's a great exploration of Scripture to explain Catholic...
December 21, 2006
Waiting on our Savior to be Born
From a homily by Pope Benedict XVI: However, despite its contradictions, anxieties and dramas, and perhaps because of them, today's humanity seeks a way of renewal, of salvation, a Savior and awaits, sometimes unconsciously, the coming of the Lord who...
October 17, 2006
Catholic Carnival 89: Potpourri
It’s a varied collection, but the fragrance is beautiful. Don’t worry, there’s some controversy thrown in to keep interest up: Kicking Over My Traces starts us off strong with Benedict and Reason. The Regensberg speech was not the first time...
July 13, 2006
Catholics for "Free Choice" go to war against Life
Catholic pro-life groups are now under attack. And their enemy is as deceptive as a snake: Catholics for Free Choice. It's important to note that Catholiics for Free Choice aren't really Catholic, they are simply pro-abortion liberals who are attempting...
May 11, 2006
What In The World Is Holy Water?!
It's Sunday morning....you wake up, get dressed, and head to church. For those of you that are Catholic, you walk through the front (or side) door, dip your fingers in the holy water, make the sign of the Cross, and...
March 1, 2006
The Mardi Gras Catholic Carnival
Be sure to check out the new Catholic Carnival - this week's theme is naturally Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has always been a Catholic tradition tied to Lent (when we imitate Christ by fasting and penance for 40 days before...
February 26, 2006
Our Catholic Photoblog
Because our new host (LivingDot) is so good, we've been able to add a Catholic photo blog to our site. I added a link to the left and I've kept my additions similar to those on this site. It's still...
February 22, 2006
Reformation Life for Catholics
I’ve been reading Edmund Campion by Evelyn Waugh, which is a short biography of Saint Edmund Campion. He was a man destined for greatness in Reformation England who gave up everything in order to become a Catholic priest. Once ordained,...
January 31, 2006
Catholic Carnival LXIV: Struggle for Holiness
The posts this week seemed to all (in some way) work around our struggle to grow, to live, to love. I think everyone will find something of interest: Sometimes we are called to struggle to find joy and The Lovely...
November 11, 2005
A Reflection on Virtue
In an age when many chose to create their own code of ethics, of right and wrong, of good and evil, I thought it would be appropriate to reflect on virtue. What is virtue? Why is virtue necessary? Are there...
October 24, 2005
Love of Neighbor and the Homosexual Person
In our modern society, we are continually urged to “accept” as normal the homosexual person. We are told to “stop judging” them. Any suggestion that active homosexuality is gravely immoral is quickly condemned and ridiculed. We are encouraged to get...
August 24, 2005
The latest Catholic Carnival
Go see the newest Catholic Carnival. It's a great collection of articles about Catholicism and containing Catholic thought. God bless, Jay...
August 16, 2005
Catholic Carnival XLIII: The Woven Tapestry
A woven tapestry has always been an incredible work of art. Different colored threads meshed together by an artist’s skill comes together in “big picture” way that the threads never realize. This Carnival represents another fascination collection of colored threads,...
August 9, 2005
James Taranto on Catholics in the Judiciary
This is so good I had to post the whole thing. From James Taranto of the Wall Street Journal: No one seriously argues anymore that Roe v. Wade was correctly decided. Rather, pro-Roe advocates rest their case on policy grounds...
May 31, 2005
Catholic Carnival XXXII: Table of Plenty
Glad to be hosting the Catholic Carnival at Deo Omnis Gloria again! This Carnival is the biggest this site has hosted yet and it is full in every respect of the word. So sit, immerse yourself, and push away from...
March 27, 2005
February 7, 2005
Will You Suffer for God?
Lent is upon us. Starting with Ash Wednesday, Catholics begin celebrating the Liturgical Season of Lent during which we prepare ourselves for salvation, in effect. During Lent we choose suffering to mortify our bodies and focus our thoughts on God...
February 1, 2005
The 15th Catholic Carnival is Up
The newest Catholic Carnival is now Online. It has 13 great posts from various points of view and is organized around the different forms of prayer. Take a look - you'll be glad you did. God bless, Jay...
January 4, 2005
The 11th Catholic Carnival is Online
Be sure to check out the latest Catholic Carnival. This is the best one yet with very good posts on a variety of topics. It's worth a few minutes just to see what's being discussed. God bless, Jay...
December 30, 2004
Is the Shroud of Turin real?
Christianity Today reports on more evidence that the Shroud of Turin is real. At this time only the carbon dating suggests otherwise. The article doesn't touch on this, but carbon dating is notoriously unreliable - there are numerous factors which...
December 25, 2004
Merry Christ's Mass
Merry Christmas to All! May the birth of Christ renew the joy and love in your life. By the way, the word "Christmas" comes from an Old English combination of the words "Christ's Mass," which of course is held on...
December 1, 2004
What is Advent?
Although Catholics automatically understand the Advent season (they have lived it since their birth), non-Catholics are unlikely to understand exactly what Advent means or is. Advent is more than just a time of year, it is an anticipation of Christ...
October 26, 2004
The First Catholic Carnival
The First Catholic Carnival is now up at Living Catholicism. It's a collection of Catholic posts from various blogs. Take a look if you get a chance. Next week's Catholic Carnival will be held at The Curt Jester and will...
September 20, 2004
Educating Children: Whose Responsibility is it?
I think there is some confusion about whose responsibility it is to teach children about God. This is a big subject, since parents must be aware of who is ultimately responsible for their children’s Christian education: CCC 2221-2228. The fecundity...
August 17, 2004
Kobe Bryant vs. St. Francis of Assisi: Who Will Be Your Child's Role Models?
As I sit here pondering the upcoming birth of my first-born son, I can't help but wonder about how he will look at me. I hope to be a positive role model in his life, but I am realistic enough...
August 6, 2004
Happy Birthday Jay!
Today is Jay's birthday so everyone say a prayer for him today. In addition to celebrating his birthday, Jay and Ashley (mainly Ashley) brought their fourth daughter into this wonderful world on August 4th, so Jay gets a "little" gift...
July 9, 2004
The Fecundity of Marriage: An Excerpt From the Catechism of the Catholic Church
We have recently renewed some discussion about the use of contraception and the intrinsic evil of such as an action against the human person and God. I thought it would be good for all of our readers to become familiar...
July 7, 2004
Could John Kerry be Excommunicated?
As many of you may have read, an attorney from Los Angeles has filed heresy charges against presidential candidate John Kerry for advancing the notion that you can be Catholic and pro-abortion. You can read the entire complaint at Defide.com....
June 27, 2004
Spirit and Truth: A Catholic Lay Movement Seeking To Lead Young Adults Into A Deeper Relationship With Jesus Christ
You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for...
June 26, 2004
Congratulations Jon and Keri!
Congratulations Jon and Keri on your wedding day! I just ask that everybody keep the happy couple in your prayers today. Jon and Keri are both teachers at a private Catholic school. Keri is a kindergarten teacher. Jon teaches middle...
June 20, 2004
Happy Father's Day
Fatherhood is a special gift from God as well as a special responsibility. A father is known through his children, the "fruit" of his life. We're praying today for fathers, that they have the love, leadership, and willpower needed to...
June 9, 2004
Darius Lesesne: A Catholic Artist
Darius Lesesne is a personal friend of mine and a fellow parishoner at our local Catholic Church. Darius is a convert to Catholicism and now produces Christian gift cards. Each card portrays a unique Christian historical figure as well as...
June 1, 2004
What Does it Mean to be Catholic?
I found this great article by the Archbishop of Milwaukee while poking around the Website, Pentecost Message. This is a stirring call to true Catholicity, and with the day of Pentecost just passed, it is very timely. The article is...
The Catholic Movie Poll
Which movies best present Catholic life? Take ten minutes and add your suggestions: This is a good idea by NCR. God bless, Jay PS - thanks to the Curt Jester for the classy banner ad . . ....
May 9, 2004
Happy Mother's Day
Through having children we participate in the creative nature of God: a man and a woman love each other so much that a new being is created (this is a reflection of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit)....
April 22, 2004
The St. Blogs Mission Project
Father Gee is seeking donations for his mission. So far he's raised $33,000 to help build a school in Bianca, but he desperately needs $17,000 more in order to get everything done by September. Take a minute and read his...
April 19, 2004
The Catholic Spectator
I was pointed to an interesting site today: The Catholic Spectator. I like the concept and just wanted to point it out. God bless, Jay...
April 13, 2004
Catholic Blogs and John Kerry
The election is on its way and I hope everyone is keeping up with the issues - we have some responsibility to ensure that the right person takes office. Along those lines I wanted to point out the Catholic[?] Kerry...
April 11, 2004
The Symbolism and History of Easter
Happy Easter! Christ has risen that we all might be saved! God bless. I thought it would be interesting to point out some of the symbolic and historical information about the “things” we surround Easter with. The word “Easter”. The...
April 9, 2004
My Journey Home
It seems almost certain that the entirety of my journey to the Catholic Church has been posted on this site already, though in bits and pieces scattered around various posts and comments. Nonetheless, I have been asked by more than...
March 30, 2004
American Marriage (the Family Planning Mentality)
Monsignor Burke gave a recent interview to Zenit.org on his new Scepter book Covenanted Happiness. In the question-and-answer interview, he makes a compelling point about how we view children: Q: How do children bring happiness to a marriage and to...
March 23, 2004
Let your "Yes" be "Yes" . . .
Recently Bishop Thomas Olmsted penned a brilliant piece on making sure your professional life isn't destroying your spiritual life. I recommend you read the whole article here, but this is an excerpt: “ I am a Catholic businessman but I...
March 20, 2004
A Monastery asks for Help
The Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia holds a special place in my heart: it's where my conversion experience started. Some of the bloggers associated with this site (including me) worked at the Monastery for several years a...
March 18, 2004
The Christian Carnival is Online
Every week, Nick at Patriot-Paradox.com creates a roundup of the best in Christian blogging. He calls it the Christian Carnival and you can view this week's version here. It's a pretty interesting collection of posts - take a look. God...
March 13, 2004
Lent 2004: Judas Iscariot and Simon Peter
During Lent we try and focus on our interior life in preparation for the joy of Easter. I think great lessons can be taken from the greatest apostle, St. Peter, and the most criticized, Judas Iscariot. The reason these two...
March 12, 2004
Fasting
How to Fast during Lent Fast from judging others; Feast on Christ dwelling in them. Fast from apparent darkness; Feast on the reality of light. Fast from pessimism; Feast on optimism. Fast from words that pollute; Feast on phrases that...
Why Do Catholics Pray the Rosary?
This is an article long in coming, but certainly due. The Rosary. What is it? Why does it benefit one to pray it? Where did this prayer come from? How come I can't find it in the Bible? For many...
March 6, 2004
The Spiritual Significance of Fasting
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. - Matthew 4:1-2 And they said to Him, "The...
March 3, 2004
Maintaining the Proper Demeanor During Lent
Lent is a wonderful opportunity for Catholic and Protestant alike to refocus themselves on our Lord. As Jay has previously mentioned, the three pillars of Lent are fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. What is so wonderful is that there can be...
March 2, 2004
Religious Freedom Continues to Fall
Yesterday, the California Supreme Court handed down a ruling signaling a path of previously unknown levels of religious discrimination in this state. While some fault can be found with the religious group involved, the path we are on is unmistakable....
March 1, 2004
Lent 2004: Overcoming Temptation
During Lent, we seek to prepare for Easter. It is our goal to improve our spiritual lives by concentrating on God – a “tithe” of our annual time allotment. A key part of this struggle towards God is our work...
February 24, 2004
A Great Lenten Resource
Lent is a special time of preparation for Easter and the risen Savior. In order to prepare, I'm always seeking suggestions; particularly for family devotions. Amy Welborn just pointed out this website containing detailed information on Lent and appropriate practices....
February 21, 2004
Do you have a Guardian Angel?
I’m always surprised when someone suggests that Guardian Angels are simply a myth; it’s very logical to assume that if God loves us He would constantly watch over us spiritually and physically. Moreover, the belief in Guardian Angels comes directly...
Lent and the Christian Life
Remember, man, that you are dust and to dust you shall return. - - Ash Wednesday mass, see Genesis 3:19 Lent is one of the Catholic practices I recommend for everyone – it’s hard to understand how much you...
February 15, 2004
What’s the point of Godparents? The Role of the Godmother and Godfather
I’ve been asked this more than once, so I thought it would be an interesting post. Catholics choose godparents for their children when the children are baptized. The role of godparents stems from the reality that it is a big...
February 14, 2004
Leisure and the Mass: A Philosophical Approach to Rest and Worship
Too often in our hectic world do we find ourselves failing to truly make time for leisure. It could be argued that leisure can take on different meanings for different people and to a certain extent I would agree. But...
February 9, 2004
Being Catholic in the Modern Workplace: A Meditation on the Practicing of Virtue at Work
So it’s Monday morning again, another work week begins. As you prepare to head out the door for the office, the store, the factory, the warehouse, or school it is important to meditate on how you will live throughout the...
February 7, 2004
Idolatry! The Catholic Veneration of Icons and Relics
Among the many common objections to Catholic doctrine so frequently voiced by Protestants is the objection that Catholics practice routine idolatry in violation of First and Second Commandments. After all, Catholics pray before graven images, not only of Christ, but...
Therese: A Movie Review
I SAW THÉRÈSE By Anthony Ryan Director of Marketing Ignatius Press Recently my wife, Marcia, our 12-year-old son, Sean, and I had the opportunity to attend a private screening of Luke Films’ new motion picture, THÉRÈSE, at Sony Studios in...
February 5, 2004
Voting at St. Blogs
Voting has begun for the 1st Annual St. Blog's Awards. Stop by and pick your favorites! God bless, Jay...
February 2, 2004
The Liturgy and the People
I'm currently reading a fascinating book, The Truth of Catholicism by George Weigel (Pope John Paul II's biographer). In it, Weigel discusses the Liturgy and some of the controversy surrounding the changes brought about through Vatican II. To understand his...
January 31, 2004
The St. Blogs Awards
Bloggers are definately a unique bunch. Catholic bloggers probably take this to a new level. Funny, insightful, and sometimes simply dedicated, we all have our favorite blogs to thank. Well now we can nominate the best at the 2004 St....
January 26, 2004
What is being a “Good Samaritan” (or a good neighbor)?
In my study on suffering I learned something very interesting: the key to understanding the Good Samaritan. First, understand that Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan in response to the question, “Who is my neighbor” after explaining that...